Accra Metropolitan University (Accra Met) has announced a major technological breakthrough with the introduction of blockchain-secured academic certificates, placing the institution at the forefront of digital credential security in Ghana and across Africa.
Accra Met, in a statement, said the move aligned the University with leading international institutions, which have adopted similar cutting-edge systems to combat academic fraud.
It said the initiative was formalised during a high-level meeting in London, where the President of Accra Metropolitan University, who is also the Chair of the Governing Council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Prof Goski Alabi, reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to safeguarding the integrity of their awards.
The meeting, facilitated by Mr Andy Lumor, Head of the Secretariat for all public universities in Ghana, underscored a shared vision of promoting secure certification practices.
According to the Secretariat, the adoption of blockchain-based certification will strengthen Ghana’s global reputation for academic excellence and enhance trust in the country’s higher-education qualifications.
This is particularly vital given that Ghana is the only country in the world to adopt Blockchain Paper® as a national standard, positioning the nation as a global leader in academic document security.
The urgency for such secure systems has grown sharply.
UNESCO estimates that the fake degree industry expanded from $1 billion in 2015 to $22 billion in 2022. Data from CIFAS further indicates that 63 per cent of employment-related fraud involves falsified qualifications, highlighting the scale of the threat.
In response, blockchain technology is increasingly seen as one of the most reliable solutions for credential verification. Certificates secured on the blockchain are tamper-proof, instantly verifiable, and authenticated directly to the issuing institution, ensuring that documents cannot be forged or altered.
Accra Met’s new system will integrate these advanced protections, enabling employers, regulators, and higher-education partners worldwide to verify academic documents in seconds.
A simple smartphone scan will confirm authenticity, eliminating lengthy manual verification processes that often delay admissions and recruitment.
Students will also benefit significantly. Graduates will receive both secure printed documents and digital certificates, as well as micro-credential badges for short courses.
These offerings will allow students to share and access their qualifications with unprecedented ease.
The printed certificates incorporate Blockchain Paper®, which includes cryptographic seals, holograms, watermarks, and numismatic security features.
These enhancements provide multilayered protection against counterfeiting and unauthorised duplication.
For the university, the adoption represents a major step towards operational efficiency.
The system will support automated issuance workflows, more reliable digital archives, and improved certificate management, reducing administrative burdens.
Accra Met’s decision also aligns with global best practices and reinforces Ghana’s position as a pioneer in educational technology.
By embracing this system, Accra Met sets an example for other institutions across Africa seeking to modernise their certification processes.
Employers and accreditation bodies stand to gain from the heightened levels of trust and transparency.
The ability to verify credentials instantly is expected to streamline hiring and accreditation evaluations, enhancing confidence in Ghanaian graduates.
Prof Alabi stressed the university leadership’s commitment to safeguarding the achievements of its students, upholding academic integrity, and positioning Accra Met at the forefront of digital transformation in higher education.
Source: GNA
The post Accra Metropolitan University pioneers Blockchain-Protected Certificates in Ghana appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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